Veterans Affairs

The Remington Springfield rifle that was being raffled off by the Centerville American Legion Post #335 was won by Cliff Alexander of Houston. But not to worry, we will have another raffle between now and the next deer season and maybe even something else to go with it so keep watching this column. Or better yet, come on down to the next American Legion meeting on Feb 6 at 6:00pm, and join us at the Municipal building in Centerville. I promise you will meet some wonderful, caring people that are doing a lot for our soldiers and veterans. They are also pretty good cooks and you won't go away hungry.

You do NOT have to be a veteran to attend the American Legion meetings, just interested in helping our veterans. We have a lot of widows of veterans in the county also and would love to have them attend.

Several members traveled to Killeen to attend our Adopt-a-Unit's Christmas party. It was so wonderful to see them home safe and with their families for Christmas.

Gary Maples, Andy Stewart and several Leon High School students delivered a truck load and a horse trailer full of toys to Fort Hood for our soldier’s children. The High School students had an unexpected treat as they were given a tour of the base after delivering the toys.

As I mentioned in last months column, Boy Scout Troop #6335 is making beautiful wooden crosses with flag holders to put on veteran's graves. We are having work parties Feb. 20, Mar. 20, and April 17, for any volunteers, not just Scouts or veterans, that would like to help these Scouts complete these crosses. Volunteers are needed for sanding, painting and screwing on approximately 500 small metal plates on the front of the crosses. The work parties will meet at 9:00am at the Village Room across from the County Court house. For more information call Larry Bass at 903-467-4441. And while you're in Centerville be sure and check out the beautiful Veteran's Memorial on the court house grounds. Donations are also needed for supplies for the Scouts to continue with this project.

The VIETNAM VETERANS of AMERICA (VVA) and the Associates (AVVA) will be having a joint membership drive with a Mardi Gras theme at the next meeting, to be held on Feb. 9th at 5:30 pm. There will be homemade seafood gumbo, chicken gumbo and king cake served, so if you are a member be sure to attend and bring a guest. For all the Vietnam Vets in the area please come and visit with our group and after learning all that we do I am sure you will want to join in helping our veterans. For the people that have Vietnam veterans in your family we would love to have you join our Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America and help us to help our veterans.

James and Charlotte Rucker honored us with their presence and presented the VVA with a $500.00 scholarship donation in his father’s name and another in the amount of $250.00 in his brother’s name. His father, Sammie Jack Rucker Sr. served during WWII and his brother Sammie Jack Rucker Jr. served during the Vietnam War. For more information on our scholarship program call Allan Ayo at 903-322- 4850.

If you have not registered for the Agent Orange Registry, please get registered as soon as possible. The VA is now recognizing new diseases caused by Agent Orange. Lawrence Irwin informed us that there are over 22 diseases recognized and that the VA now takes the position that if you were in country or close support, you were contaminated and that the proof no longer will fall on you.

The VVA & AVVA also have an Honor Guard that can be called upon for burial of deceased veterans, including a casket watch, three volley salute and flag folding. This is not limited to Vietnam veterans. If you have a member of your family that is a veteran and you would like to honor them with a military funeral, please call Ken Sheffield at 903-724-1490. You can also call Ken if you are interested in being a member of the Honor Guard.

The Disabled American Veterans recently installed a security system at their newly renovated hall, with the cost divided between the American Legion Post #85, the VVA and the DAV. The hall is located at 927 Gardner Drive, Palestine, Texas. The DAV meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 am with American Legion Post #85 of Palestine meeting immediately following. Come early for a free pancake and sausage breakfast at 9:00 am.

Service Officers are available every Tuesday & Thursday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm at the DAV hall in Palestine and also at the Leon County Courthouse on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

GOD BLESS OUR VETERANS